Schoolgirls talked out of suicide pact

THREE 16-year-old girls joined in a suicide pact and threatened to slash their wrists and jump from a building because they felt cheated by their school.

The three climbed to the roof of a 12-storey building at 717 Nathan Road, Mongkok, when three police negotiators arrived at about 4.30 pm.

The girls had thrown a note from the building claiming dissatisfaction with the policy at City College, Mongkok, and anxiety over examinations.

The note said the girls were discriminated against and that they resented the high tuition fees demanded by the school.

An air-bag was set up below the building as police struggled to control peak hour traffic.

About 90 minutes into the standoff, police were able to persuade one of the girls on the roof to climb down.